There’s just something about a bubbling casserole dish of Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese that feels like an edible hug, don’t you think? This recipe is the ultimate comfort food—silky, cheesy sauce coats tender pasta, then it’s all baked to golden perfection with a crispy, buttery topping. Whether it’s a weeknight treat, a potluck hit, or a nostalgic throwback to childhood, this is the mac and cheese recipe you’ll want to make over and over. Every bite bursts with rich flavor and classic cheesiness, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly magical about Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is that just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Each item in the list plays a special role—from building that perfectly velvety sauce to giving you the kind of flavor depth that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Elbow macaroni (16 oz): The classic pasta shape for holding creamy sauce in every bite.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness and helps form the base of the silky roux.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the cheese sauce without making it heavy.
- Whole milk (3 cups): Creates a creamy, smooth body for the sauce without being too heavy.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to an ultra-luxurious, dreamy mac and cheese texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the cheesy flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and depth—freshly ground is best.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a gentle savory note that sets this recipe apart.
- Ground mustard (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Lends a gentle tang that wakes up the cheese flavor.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (3 cups, shredded): The star of the show, providing robust flavor and that golden hue.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Adds stretchy, gooey deliciousness to every forkful.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): For a salty, nutty finish and slightly crisp baked top.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional): Provides an irresistible crunch if you love a crispy topping.
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon, for topping): Helps toast the breadcrumbs to golden brown perfection.
How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your elbow macaroni until it’s just al dente. This is crucial—overcooked pasta gets mushy in the oven. Once it’s cooked, drain it well and set aside. Give it a toss with a hint of oil or butter if you want to avoid sticking, but it’s not essential for our purposes.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce Base
In a roomy saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter until it’s lovely and foamy. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly to form a smooth, pale roux. After about a minute, it’ll smell just a bit nutty—time to slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. The mixture should quickly turn from lumpy to satiny. Take your time here: a silky sauce is the heart of Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese.
Step 3: Season and Thicken
Continue to cook your milk mixture for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often. When it starts to thicken to the consistency of heavy cream, season in layers with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and ground mustard if you’re using it. These seasonings work together to bring the best out of every cheesy bite.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Take the pan off the heat and stir in all your shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Stir well until the cheeses melt completely, resulting in a sauce that’s glossy, velvety, and practically begging to cling to your noodles. That’s when you know you’ve nailed the Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese base.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni into the cheesy sauce and stir, ensuring each piece is luxuriously coated. You want every nook and cranny deliciously enveloped—don’t skimp on the stirring!
Step 6: Assemble and Top
Pour the pasta and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish. For the classic baked finish, stir together the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter, then sprinkle the mixture evenly on top. This buttery crunch is optional but totally worth it if you love textural contrast.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, uncovered, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a deeply golden, crisp top and bubbling edges. Let it rest for a bit out of the oven so everything can set slightly, making serving (and eating!) even more satisfying.
How to Serve Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
Give your Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese some extra pizzazz with finishing touches like a sprinkle of fresh chives, a dusting of paprika, or even a few crunchy bacon bits if you’re feeling indulgent. These garnishes not only add color but also elevate the flavors and create irresistible visual appeal.
Side Dishes
While this dish is spectacular on its own, it also plays beautifully with others. Serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, buttery garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for balance. The creaminess of the mac and cheese is the perfect partner for bright, tangy, or crunchy sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Switch things up by serving Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for dinner parties. For gatherings, try spooning it into hollowed-out bread bowls or topping with broiled tomato slices before baking. The sky’s the limit for creative presentations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Simply cover your baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making those second-day scoops seriously crave-worthy.
Freezing
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese freezes surprisingly well. Wrap the cooled dish tightly in a layer of plastic wrap and then foil, or portion into smaller airtight containers. It’ll keep for up to two months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly, usually about 20 minutes. Add a splash of milk and stir before reheating if the sauce seems a little thick. Microwave reheating works for single servings—just be sure to cover and stir halfway for even results.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course, Side Dish
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice for Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, feel free to experiment with shapes like shells, cavatappi, or penne. Just aim for something that holds sauce well.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
No worries! Regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese work beautifully for topping. Or, leave the crunchy top off entirely for an ultra-creamy finish.
Is it possible to lighten this dish up?
You sure can! Swap in 2% milk for whole milk and substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. While it may be a touch less rich, it’ll still be deliciously satisfying.
Can I add mix-ins?
Definitely! Stir in cooked bacon, sautéed spinach, roasted veggies, or even a little shredded chicken for extra substance and flavor. Make this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese your own signature dish.
How do I avoid a grainy cheese sauce?
The key is to melt your cheese off the heat and always add it gradually. Using freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded also helps prevent any unwanted clumping or grittiness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy comfort and a golden, crunchy top, it doesn’t get better than this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese. Give it a try next time you want to treat yourself or surprise someone you love—a bubbling dish of this goodness always brings smiles around the table!
Print
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy baked mac and cheese recipe. A rich and cheesy dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Macaroni: Cook macaroni per package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, add milk and cream, cook until thickened. Stir in seasonings and cheeses until melted.
- Combine and Bake: Mix cooked macaroni with sauce, pour into baking dish. Top with breadcrumb mixture if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with hot sauce or paprika.
- Recipe can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, adjust bake time if baking from cold.
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